Mexico’s capital begins 2021 with a ban on single-use plastics

Mexico’s capital begins 2021 with a ban on single-use plastics

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Mexico City lawmakers passed the ban on plastic bags, utensils and other disposable plastic items in 2019. The city of 9 million people has spent the past year adjusting or in some cases ignoring the impending law change. The ban on plastic bags took effect last year, according to Associated Press.

Light, allegedly biodegradable bags have become more common at the city's street food stalls. Plastic straws are offered less often. Fresh tortillas are handed over wrapped in paper or cloths that buyers bring with them.

But without the imposition of fines, the change will likely be slow in coming.

 Donna Volger of Dover, Del. loads up her groceries after a shopping trip. AP

On Friday morning, a woman selling tamales under a large umbrella at the corner of a busy Mexico City avenue slid two into a Plastic bag and offered two small colorful Plastic spoons from a cup filled with them. Asked if she was aware of the ban taking effect she said she was, "but with the coronavirus, they (authorities) forgot about it.“

Mexico City is currently under red alert as its hospitals' COVID-19 beds hover near capacity.

The woman, who declined to give her